GLORY DAYS
- Thread starter JohnnyGage
- Start date
JohnnyGage said:PROFILE; Lt. Jack Mayne L38
Who is Uncle Jack?
Jack Mayne served the FDNY for thirty seven years, mostly in the hot Bronx ?War Years? neighborhoods. He was the Captain of Ladder 32 when a company medical found a health issue that forced his reluctant retirement.
As previously written about, Jack was a childhood school friend of my father. He and my dad grew up in Canarsie, Brooklyn., ?Buddies? they were inseparable. They played sandlot baseball together, joined the service, dated together and remained very close friends to the very end. My dad was at Jack?s bedside when he died. Because of the closeness between Jack and my dad, we called Jack, ?Uncle Jack? and his wife Irene, ?Aunt Irene?.
Jack was hired by the FDNY July 1956 and assigned to Engine 204. Unfortunately due to a discrepancy about his Navy veteran points, Jack was laid off for almost a year and resumed his previous job as a butcher while he challenged the unfavorable decision. Coincidentally, his original test list number came up and Jack was rehired. During his brief time in E 204 Jack met officers that remembered him when he was rehired. With Jacks experience in the navy a chief officer suggested that he look into Rescue 3 which had vacancies and that he could assign him there. Jack took a spot.
He remained in R3 for many years. As the ?War Years? began to develop, the noted hot spot getting attention was Engine 82 and Ladder 31. Then Lieutenant Bob Farrell met with Jack, asked him to consider transferring to Ladder 31. Jack found a home in Ladder 31. First due truck work is the name of the game! And there was plenty of it...Jack would stay in L 31 from 1970 until his promotion to Lieutenant in 1975. Jack confided in me, his best years on the FDNY was with Ladder 31.
As a young teenager, with a keen interest in the FDNY, Jack would bring me to Ladder 31 during my spring and summer breaks from school 1970-73. I would call him, have a short list of questions, pick out the days he was working and lock it in. I would literally countdown the days on my calendar in my bedroom, I knew exactly how many days before I would be back at ?La Casa Grande?, an unfathomable world that I yearned to be part of. Jack became my mentor. He encouraged me to be prepared for upcoming exams, he suggested I get a subscription to the ?Chief Leader? for upcoming exams and how to prepare. One visit with Jack at his home he gave me his ?retired? and battle scarred Rescue 3 helmet, it was priceless and an inspiration that kept me driven on my goal to become a FDNY fireman. I was also surprised to find a yearly subscription to WNYF magazine for the next three years! And I still have the 1970, 1971 1972 copies in the original yellow envelope that they were sent in. I?d read and absorb every inch of that quarterly mag... (Sidenote: I would be requested to take over the WNYF Division 7 ?All Hands? column by E 45 legend John Koskie ...AND later 1st Division Chief Dave C requested I write the Division 1 ?All Hands? Column!)
Jack was promoted, bounced around in Harlem for a short time, he submitted a request to transfer to Engine 45 and subsequently assigned. It was at Engine 45 in April 1977 that Jack rescued a Ladder 58 lieutenant at a job on Prospect Avenue. According to the Medal Day book; ?Jack was able to remove an unconscious lieutenant from a super heated apartment fire?. His action was recognized by the FDNY and he received the ?Third Alarm Medal? in 1978.
August 1979 I was hired by the Washington DC Fire Department, on graduation day, along with my parents Jack and Irene came to celebrate my new beginnings in the fire service. I would not see Jack again until I was hired by FDNY in August 1982 and assigned to E 88, the same firehouse where ?Uncle Jack? recently transferred to L 38 and would now become ?Lou?... How cool!, my mentor and I, would be in the same quarters! (First Milestone).
The next few years there would be a few other personal unbelievable milestones. The second was when I was detailed to L 38 and Jack was the boss who assigned me to the Roofman position (Read ROOFMAN, Part 2), my very first time as such, the pressure was on!...However the best milestone was to come, unexpectedly, and again, I was detailed to L 38...for some reason the LCC ?tapped out? early in the day tour, there was nobody to drive the Seagrave rearmount, L38 would have to be out of service until a LCC was found and detailed. Jack was not one that wanted to miss any alarms. Jack knew I had previous fire apparatus driver training in Washington DC, in addition my side job gig I drove an oil truck. Not that an oil truck compares to a rearmount...but I was comfortable driving trucks. During Multi-Unit Drills (MUD) I made myself familiar with setting up and operating the aerial. (So I was comfortable to take on the responsibility)... Todays day tour...Jack told me I was his ?Ladder Chauffeur? for the remainder of this tour! I could not believe what I was hearing! I?ve gone almost full circle, from a thirteen year old kid sharing the front seat as a buff on the rig... now I am sharing the front seat with ?Uncle Jack? in the big red machine with me behind the wheel!... This was a tremendous, unbelievable and exciting milestone that I never forgot! And to make it so magical and significant... It happened only once. Only one tour would I get to drive Uncle...er ?Lieutenant Mayne?.? What a reward!
It was a pleasure working with Jack, always a warm and gracious greeting. He spoke directly with you, as if you were the most important person in the room. He did not hunt or fish, not a big sports enthusiast, not heavy into politics...but he did like the southern rock of Creedence Clearwater. Jack was very well liked by most of the younger firefighters like me...he always demonstrated a positive attitude, always acted as a positive role model with a willingness to share his skills, knowledge and expertise, his enthusiasm and passion of firehouse facets was contagious...I don't think I ever saw him mad, upset or rattled, nothing seemed to bother him, except maybe when fire duty would trail off...
Jack was assigned to the opposite groups and I got a chance to work with him on occasion. Everytime I knew he was coming in to work I would look forward to seeing him walking in the firehouse and having coffee (he preferred tea) with him.. Jack got promoted to Captain in 1989, and left L 38... I had a transfer paper in to go to Brooklyn and shortly after Jack's departure I too left L 38 for L 112.
We spoke by phone here and there, not often enough...both caught up in our lives. Jack retired, September 1993 and did his thing traveling... I retired after 9/11. We lost touch for a period. In the spring of 2009, I reached out to Jack by a simple letter, we need to catch up, let?s have lunch. I really wanted to personally thank him for everything he meant to me, I am glad I was able to do so. In March, Jack and I met for lunch at the Eastchester Diner just before St. Patrick's Day, I recall because Jack was wearing green beads around his neck. He had tea and an english muffin, I had coffee and a bagel. We sat and talked about the Glory Days and the ?War Years?. We exchanged stories, time went too fast...Jack was surprised that I stayed in touch with some of the ?La Casa Grande? members from way back then. During our conversation I thanked him for being my inspiration and mentor. I hope he realized the impact he had on my life. I will always be grateful to Jack for guiding me on the right path.
Because of Jack, he will forever remain a major contributor behind my success and achievements. I truly appreciate and value everything I have learned from him. Thank you for all that you have taught me in my early career. The knowledge and wisdom you have imparted on me has been a great help and support throughout my FDNY experience. I believe my success is at least in part due to your sincere support and mentorship. You inspired me, trusted me to pursue my goals with hard work, passion and dedication.
Jack was a leader...How lucky was I to have such a mentor?
Five months after our lunch Jack died ( August 2009) just before his 80th birthday. His spirit and memory is forever with me in my daily actions and lifestyle. Jack introduced me to a man?s world where I was fortunate to grow up in. I visited him the day before he passed and thanked him for guiding me through my life's journey... Never a day goes by that I don?t appreciate another simple lesson in life brought to me by Uncle Jack. Never a day goes by that I think about how Uncle Jack would handle life?s curveballs, what would he do? What would he say?....Even today, Uncle Jack stills lives within me.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed! KMG-365
Lt. Jack, John K (RIP), young "Flash" Dennis G.
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^^^^^yes Mack, that's "Uncle Jack" thanks for the post! You always come through!
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doneleven said:
Thanks Don, I can't believe I overlooked that. It did not matter how many runs, he acknowledged everyone the same way, "with pleasure". The story goes further, at one time both E 45 and L 58 were assigned the same box by Bronx CO, Jack gave his distinctive "with pleasure" radio acknowledgement, followed by L 58's response "WITHOUT pleasure".
The few times I buffed with Jack in the front seat of E 45 he would let me transmit the 10-92's to Bronx CO, he was one of the last few officers that used his name at the end of the transmission: " Box 1234, 10-92, Lieutenant Mayne, K"....The Bronx CO realizing the voice was not his, would respond "10-4 'Lieutenant Mayne' "...
Jack also had two other axioms that I recall. One was "Say no more", the other one I heard the night Jack was working at E 88 as the boss and we were running our butts off... after each run he would jokingly say "what are we, machines?" (that was my favorite axiom, I used it many times during my Glory Days...).
Speaking of E 45, Jack painted the Engine Office, he painted the ceiling a dark blue, not quite Navy blue, maybe a shade or two lighter...he then added "glow stars" which would glow when the lights were turned off, he was "sleeping under the stars"...the men of E 45 continued the pattern into their bunkroom. I remember being detailed to E 45 and sleeping under the stars...
Thanks again Don for the reminder!
And "THANK YOU" to all who have viewed and added to this thread. Your messages and kind thoughts are very much appreciated...I have received some wonderful and warm notes through PM...love hearing from you, thanks again!,
Best, Johnny
Did he also say- "E 45 are you available?" "E45 is ALWAYS available!"
There is a podcast out there with Capt. Bob Farrell. He tells about how back in the day he bar-tended at a place on W. 181 near 93/45/R3. Says he picked off several R 3 guys to L 31 by breaking their balls about doing "real work" or something to that effect. And I'm told he was a notorious ball breaker in his day.
There is a podcast out there with Capt. Bob Farrell. He tells about how back in the day he bar-tended at a place on W. 181 near 93/45/R3. Says he picked off several R 3 guys to L 31 by breaking their balls about doing "real work" or something to that effect. And I'm told he was a notorious ball breaker in his day.
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These are great stories! I love reading every little bit of them. Keep it up!
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scoobyd said:
In Capt Bob Farrell's memoirs he mentions taking three members from R 3. He alluded that Rescue was like an "Air Force", either standing fast outside after the fire or above all the action on the roof instead of "first wave of battle...infantry", his first draft was Jack, told Jack L 31 was #1 in working fires. That's all it took, Jack agreed and transferred... Jack was followed by legends Tom Kennedy and Buddy Croce.
In the English Documentary "Man Alive, South Bronx is Burning", Jack is seen at the 30 minute mark (to the Chiefs left).
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NEWS FLASH FROM THE PAST TO TODAY:
Mentioned in Bronx All Hands thread, 10-77 ; 725 Garden Street. 16 story
Assigned to E 88, this was one of my first jobs on the nob! We had two new probies riding and old salty timer Jimmy "The Greek" S. I can't recall who the boss was though. Early day tour, springtime...We turned the corner onto Garden Street from 182 St, fire blowing out the window... Jimmy S did the standpipe hook up, the two probies flaked out 2 1/2" hose between stairwell and fire floor, I had the open bore knob. L 38 was forcing the metal door, once opened..."And away we go!"...fun job!
Todays job rundown
My job, circa 1984
Mentioned in Bronx All Hands thread, 10-77 ; 725 Garden Street. 16 story
Assigned to E 88, this was one of my first jobs on the nob! We had two new probies riding and old salty timer Jimmy "The Greek" S. I can't recall who the boss was though. Early day tour, springtime...We turned the corner onto Garden Street from 182 St, fire blowing out the window... Jimmy S did the standpipe hook up, the two probies flaked out 2 1/2" hose between stairwell and fire floor, I had the open bore knob. L 38 was forcing the metal door, once opened..."And away we go!"...fun job!
Todays job rundown
My job, circa 1984
I remember a job there, I was driving the Division, a day tour and we were out. The Bronx announced a Pull Box, one of E88's 1st due boxes. Tough Timmy was the Boss and I heard him give the 10-84. I am waiting to hear him give the 10-92, but he comes on and gives a 10-75. We headed over there and from a distance you could see the fire out the windows in the taller section of 725 Garden Street. L38's aerial was fully extended, and at a steep angle but just made the sill of the fire apartment. Watching one of the brothers climb the ladder and make the fire apartment was awesome. After the fire was knocked down, TT was in the street, his forehead and the sides of his face were burnt and blistering. The Chauffeur was trying to get him to go to an ambulance, but he wouldn't go sick! My next day tour I was the Division Aide again , the phone rang and it was TT. He sheepishly tells me he was down at headquarters and ?they made him go on Medical Leave?. He gave me his info, effective date and return date to the Medical office, I thanked him and told him to take care. I went to several more jobs there over the years. Good times
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John! Please keep the stories coming and i know you have been told this before but you should really think about writing a book. I would be one of the fist guys in line to buy it. Love the ones about 277 and 112. I had the privilege of buffing them in the mid 90s and I swear the kitchen was never the same color when we would come back for a weekend. What a great house and a great group of firemen. Also you might remember the guy that would come in every Saturday and ride the truck on the 9by6 tour I think his name was Bob but not sure. Think they said he was a honorary Chief. I think he kept a journal of every call he ran. Anyway thanks for all time you put into this site. God Bless and be safe
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res8cue_99 said:
Larry Martin was a fixture on Sundays on Knickerbocker Ave, the day we had MUD. Larry was made an Honorable Chief in 1986, he held the position of Aux Capt....Every Sunday (as mentioned) someone would pick him up and bring him in (and home), in his arms would be at least four cakes his sister would bake...that we devoured. Larry was a walking / talking knowledge of everything Bushwick. He recalled every firefighter, and officer. He recalled every significant fire, he knew the box alarm assignment down to the last company. Whenever we would get "Knickerbocker Ave and Schaeffer Street" he would exclaim "BEER BOX!", from the by-gone days...Larry was a beautiful sweet man, every man respected him. I sat and talked with him many times, just letting him reflect on his memories was fascinating...Sometimes our "out of control behavior" would amuse Larry, he saw everything...Larry had his corner spot on the couch and took in every single facet of L 112, every nuance locked into his memory, during the afternoon he would squeeze in a nap on the couch, upright. At the end of the tour, he would call his sister that he lived with, and tell her of his day...then say he will be home soon, could she "please draw me a bath"! ....God Bless Larry. At a recent 112 reunion just last month someone told me he passed away, he was one of the most gentlest, kind and sweet souls you could ever meet...Members on this sight would have loved his insightful encylopedia knowledge of Bushwick fires....Rest in Peace Larry, you were one of a kind! I am honored to post this message and photo of Honorary Chief Larry Martin in his office.
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Thanks John and Lucky. I knew somebody would remember and you are so right what a loving guy and so glad i got to meet him. So sorry about his passing, I do not think he will ever know how many life's he touched just to sit and talk with him was a honor. Thanks again John and Lucky and the others that keep this site up and going. It is an honor and privilege to be a part ot this site. May God Bless each and everyone of you. Be safe and thanks again. RIP Larry M gone but not forgotten.
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?A NEW WORLD?
It?s been a couple of years since my grandmother's funeral, I have not seen or spoken with Uncle Jack since. But today it?s my family?s turn to visit Uncle Jack and Aunt Irene at their home in Northern Westchester County. The visit is fun and jovial, both families outside sitting around the picnic table, however there is a commotion down the street from Jack's house. The local community fire department is responding, a few rigs whip past the house, sirens filling the air. Jack, my dad and I peer down the street at the activity, there seems to be a small fire in a house about six doors down. I?m confused, curiously I ask Jack, ?aren?t you a fireman?? He responds that he is, I follow up with another question; ?so why are you not going to the fire??
At this point in my life, the ripe old age of thirteen, I had no idea the difference between volunteer firefighter or city career firefighter. My indoctrination to the FDNY and ?A NEW WORLD? lesson was forty minutes away.
Jack realizes my enthusiasm and inquisitiveness, he seems pleased that I have this interest. He mentions to my dad that we should take a quick ride to the Bronx and stop by his firehouse, show it to me and we?ll all be back before dinner. ?Yeah, sure?, says dad. Jack, my dad and I hop into Jack?s Buick Skylark and head to the South Bronx, a place that I did not know even existed but I?m excited. I have no recollection of the ride or direction, what highway or parkway we used, but to my amazement I did begin to notice the neighborhood change with each block as we entered further into the South Bronx.
I was overwhelmed by the drastic environmental change compared to the differences of Long Island?s open air and green grass life versus uneven cobblestone roads and brick buildings. I was pleasantly awestruck by the bustling and noisy streets filled with people. I remember being surrounded by these large six story apartment buildings that made it feel like we were driving through a canyon with open fire hydrants on almost every street, I had never seen so many abandoned cars before. My eyes darted everywhere from the back seat of Jack?s car taking in all the sights, my mind was spinning as if we entered another galaxy. But this galaxy was cool, compelling, different and exciting. I tried to absorb every view, every minute and burn it into memory. The experience was mind boggling.
Jack comes to a stop in front of the firehouse on Intervale Avenue, the red doors are down and the firehouse is empty. He goes inside and then comes back out and finds out both companies are operating at a job on Hoe Avenue near Jennings Street. It?s a short ride there and Jack pulls his car up to the curb, the first thing that hits me is that the air smells like damp smoke. I begin to take in the scene, mesmerized by what I see before me. A handful of fire trucks and firefighters crowd the street with hoselines, an aerial ladder has been placed on the roof of a three story frame house with wisps of steam rising from spots near the roof. There are wet sweaty firemen taking a breather, some smoke cigarettes, others drink from a spigot attached to the engine, the water pours out freely in a small arc splashing to the ground. I notice two homes completely blackened and burned, destroyed. As we approach the scene, the noise gets louder from the idling apparatus.
The first rig I notice is an aerial ladder with a six inch yellowish gold leaf number on the door, the number ?31?. Jack proceeds to introduce me and my dad to LCC Jerry Albert, (Jerry Albert is an L 31 Legend and the first guy I meet). Jerry is a big bear of a guy, has a beer belly, white hair and a friendly smile. Jerry greets me warmly with a firm handshake, he has thick hands, he reaches over and shakes my dad's hand too. In a non matter of fact way, Jerry recounts the job to us, you get the sense he?s done this before. Oh, and by the way, Jerry casually mentions to Jack, ?FF so and so broke his leg getting off the aerial?. I?m shocked, ?broke his leg?? simply spoken as if this was a common occurrence. The conversation sounds incredible to me, as I repeat it to myself, if a kid broke his leg back in school or playing baseball that would be a huge neighborhood story.
Looking around I?m awestruck by the gritty neighborhood that surrounds us, it?s unbelievable and exciting at the same time. Added to the backdrop are grungy, tired, sweaty but smiling firemen milling around going about their business, some smoking cigarettes while in the process of putting away tools and picking up hose. Any fireman that passes by us, stops and greets Jack with a big hello and respectfully turns to my dad and me extending their dirty hands to shake. I find it unbelievable that my dad and I are this close to a fire scene, in fact we were in the center of it. I noticed other people standing on the corner watching from afar, but here I was, directly in the middle of this setting. I felt privileged standing alongside these men and their rumbling equipment. It was intoxicating, I?m sure it was quite the adventure for my dad, too.
Ladder 31 was just about finished taking up, the aerial lowered and jacks lifted when Jerry Albert tells Jack to ?throw me in the cab? for the ride back to quarters. Before you know it I was in the front seat sitting next to the legendary L 31 LCC Jerry Albert as we are about to return to quarters. From my point of view from the front seat is a steep cobble stoned hill that we would be making a left turn onto, Jennings Street. I was concerned about the steep declining hill in front of us and remember asking Jerry if we can go down that hill? Jerry said politely, ?we?ll take it slow, we?ll be fine?. He was very reassuring, a class act. I was instantly engrossed with the big guy, sitting in the middle of the front seat of the cab next to him as he drove the rig back to quarters shifting smoothly through the gears, he was larger than life.
Years later I felt like my experience was all a dream. One thing for sure I became a FDNY buff obsessed with anything FDNY. A NEW WORLD appeared before my eyes and there was nothing else to compare this experience with.
The next year Engine 82 and Ladder 31 would be portrayed in various periodicals about being the busiest firehouse, that year Engine 82 responded to 9,111 alarms. I remember reading a Sunday edition of the Daily News, there in the middle of the magazine section was a pictorial centerfold of Engine 82 and Ladder 31 members including a cool photo of Jack overhauling a car fire. Another instance, I was sitting in my barber shop waiting and glanced over to my left at
a July 1970 ?TRUE? magazine laying on top of other magazines on a small table between the chairs. The cover caught my eye, it has an airplane glider photo for the cover and on the left of the cover is a list of features inside this edition. The last feature catches my eye: ?Smoke Eaters of Engine Co. 82?, I quickly thumb through the pages to locate the article. The introductory page is a full black and white ?blurry? shot of the front of Ladder 31 coming towards you, the blurry-ness action shot makes it look like the truck is responding. ?I know this truck! I was right there in the front seat?, I asked the barber if I could have the mag and he said I could, I couldn?t wait to get home and read the article.
The article is a small excerpt from the soon to be released best seller; REPORT FROM ENGINE CO. 82. After reading the article the realization struck me, I needed to somehow be a part of this awesome culture, I knew one thing for certain, I needed to get back to Intervale Avenue. Tonight I will call Uncle Jack.
Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed! KMG 365
It?s been a couple of years since my grandmother's funeral, I have not seen or spoken with Uncle Jack since. But today it?s my family?s turn to visit Uncle Jack and Aunt Irene at their home in Northern Westchester County. The visit is fun and jovial, both families outside sitting around the picnic table, however there is a commotion down the street from Jack's house. The local community fire department is responding, a few rigs whip past the house, sirens filling the air. Jack, my dad and I peer down the street at the activity, there seems to be a small fire in a house about six doors down. I?m confused, curiously I ask Jack, ?aren?t you a fireman?? He responds that he is, I follow up with another question; ?so why are you not going to the fire??
At this point in my life, the ripe old age of thirteen, I had no idea the difference between volunteer firefighter or city career firefighter. My indoctrination to the FDNY and ?A NEW WORLD? lesson was forty minutes away.
Jack realizes my enthusiasm and inquisitiveness, he seems pleased that I have this interest. He mentions to my dad that we should take a quick ride to the Bronx and stop by his firehouse, show it to me and we?ll all be back before dinner. ?Yeah, sure?, says dad. Jack, my dad and I hop into Jack?s Buick Skylark and head to the South Bronx, a place that I did not know even existed but I?m excited. I have no recollection of the ride or direction, what highway or parkway we used, but to my amazement I did begin to notice the neighborhood change with each block as we entered further into the South Bronx.
I was overwhelmed by the drastic environmental change compared to the differences of Long Island?s open air and green grass life versus uneven cobblestone roads and brick buildings. I was pleasantly awestruck by the bustling and noisy streets filled with people. I remember being surrounded by these large six story apartment buildings that made it feel like we were driving through a canyon with open fire hydrants on almost every street, I had never seen so many abandoned cars before. My eyes darted everywhere from the back seat of Jack?s car taking in all the sights, my mind was spinning as if we entered another galaxy. But this galaxy was cool, compelling, different and exciting. I tried to absorb every view, every minute and burn it into memory. The experience was mind boggling.
Jack comes to a stop in front of the firehouse on Intervale Avenue, the red doors are down and the firehouse is empty. He goes inside and then comes back out and finds out both companies are operating at a job on Hoe Avenue near Jennings Street. It?s a short ride there and Jack pulls his car up to the curb, the first thing that hits me is that the air smells like damp smoke. I begin to take in the scene, mesmerized by what I see before me. A handful of fire trucks and firefighters crowd the street with hoselines, an aerial ladder has been placed on the roof of a three story frame house with wisps of steam rising from spots near the roof. There are wet sweaty firemen taking a breather, some smoke cigarettes, others drink from a spigot attached to the engine, the water pours out freely in a small arc splashing to the ground. I notice two homes completely blackened and burned, destroyed. As we approach the scene, the noise gets louder from the idling apparatus.
The first rig I notice is an aerial ladder with a six inch yellowish gold leaf number on the door, the number ?31?. Jack proceeds to introduce me and my dad to LCC Jerry Albert, (Jerry Albert is an L 31 Legend and the first guy I meet). Jerry is a big bear of a guy, has a beer belly, white hair and a friendly smile. Jerry greets me warmly with a firm handshake, he has thick hands, he reaches over and shakes my dad's hand too. In a non matter of fact way, Jerry recounts the job to us, you get the sense he?s done this before. Oh, and by the way, Jerry casually mentions to Jack, ?FF so and so broke his leg getting off the aerial?. I?m shocked, ?broke his leg?? simply spoken as if this was a common occurrence. The conversation sounds incredible to me, as I repeat it to myself, if a kid broke his leg back in school or playing baseball that would be a huge neighborhood story.
Looking around I?m awestruck by the gritty neighborhood that surrounds us, it?s unbelievable and exciting at the same time. Added to the backdrop are grungy, tired, sweaty but smiling firemen milling around going about their business, some smoking cigarettes while in the process of putting away tools and picking up hose. Any fireman that passes by us, stops and greets Jack with a big hello and respectfully turns to my dad and me extending their dirty hands to shake. I find it unbelievable that my dad and I are this close to a fire scene, in fact we were in the center of it. I noticed other people standing on the corner watching from afar, but here I was, directly in the middle of this setting. I felt privileged standing alongside these men and their rumbling equipment. It was intoxicating, I?m sure it was quite the adventure for my dad, too.
Ladder 31 was just about finished taking up, the aerial lowered and jacks lifted when Jerry Albert tells Jack to ?throw me in the cab? for the ride back to quarters. Before you know it I was in the front seat sitting next to the legendary L 31 LCC Jerry Albert as we are about to return to quarters. From my point of view from the front seat is a steep cobble stoned hill that we would be making a left turn onto, Jennings Street. I was concerned about the steep declining hill in front of us and remember asking Jerry if we can go down that hill? Jerry said politely, ?we?ll take it slow, we?ll be fine?. He was very reassuring, a class act. I was instantly engrossed with the big guy, sitting in the middle of the front seat of the cab next to him as he drove the rig back to quarters shifting smoothly through the gears, he was larger than life.
Years later I felt like my experience was all a dream. One thing for sure I became a FDNY buff obsessed with anything FDNY. A NEW WORLD appeared before my eyes and there was nothing else to compare this experience with.
The next year Engine 82 and Ladder 31 would be portrayed in various periodicals about being the busiest firehouse, that year Engine 82 responded to 9,111 alarms. I remember reading a Sunday edition of the Daily News, there in the middle of the magazine section was a pictorial centerfold of Engine 82 and Ladder 31 members including a cool photo of Jack overhauling a car fire. Another instance, I was sitting in my barber shop waiting and glanced over to my left at
a July 1970 ?TRUE? magazine laying on top of other magazines on a small table between the chairs. The cover caught my eye, it has an airplane glider photo for the cover and on the left of the cover is a list of features inside this edition. The last feature catches my eye: ?Smoke Eaters of Engine Co. 82?, I quickly thumb through the pages to locate the article. The introductory page is a full black and white ?blurry? shot of the front of Ladder 31 coming towards you, the blurry-ness action shot makes it look like the truck is responding. ?I know this truck! I was right there in the front seat?, I asked the barber if I could have the mag and he said I could, I couldn?t wait to get home and read the article.
The article is a small excerpt from the soon to be released best seller; REPORT FROM ENGINE CO. 82. After reading the article the realization struck me, I needed to somehow be a part of this awesome culture, I knew one thing for certain, I needed to get back to Intervale Avenue. Tonight I will call Uncle Jack.
Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed! KMG 365
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1970; TRUE MAGAZINE
It was almost fifty years ago that I recall; I was a young teen plopped next to my younger brothers waiting for our summer haircut in Tony’s barber shop, however a simple life altering event materialized right before my very eyes and from that moment I knew my life would never be the same again.
Since I was the older brother my younger brothers were first to get their hair cut and me last. Whiling away the time sitting patiently in a row of chairs behind the barber there was a table with an array of magazines strewn on top. One of them caught my eye with its flashy July cover, “TRUE MAGAZINE”. Looking it over I then incredulously notice a by-line in the lower left of the cover that says; “The Smoke Eaters of Engine Co. 82”. I immediately recognized the engine number, for only a few weeks ago I spent a day tour riding with my “Uncle” Jack Mayne, a fireman with Ladder 31 that is quartered with Engine 82. Riding with Jack through the streets of the South Bronx was incredible and inspiring. And here in front of me was a tell all narrative.
Reminiscing about a year ago, I realized that I had stumbled upon the spear tip of the Holy Grail of firefighting literature. The article was written by Dennis Smith, way before Dennis Smith was Dennis Smith. The feature starts on page 50 and continues for four full pages with a few black and white photos added to the column. Little did I know that this was the precursor of what would inevitably become the renowned “Report From Engine Co. 82” by famed Author Dennis Smith.
So, as a goof, I googled ebay and typed in the magazine date 1970; TRUE MAGAZINE. I could not believe my good fortune when popped up was one listed for sale for thirteen bucks. I jumped at the offer and ordered the mag holding my breath figuring a reply stating it was ‘not available’ would pop up. However, A few days later I received the envelope with the rare iconic Magazine in great condition inside.
Tony the barber allowed me to keep the magazine. From reading the article over and over and remembering Jack and the members of E 82 & L 31 in action, I realized that all I wanted to be was a fireman. Who would have thought a sixty cent magazine and a lousy haircut could change your life?
Hope you enjoyed... KMG 365
It was almost fifty years ago that I recall; I was a young teen plopped next to my younger brothers waiting for our summer haircut in Tony’s barber shop, however a simple life altering event materialized right before my very eyes and from that moment I knew my life would never be the same again.
Since I was the older brother my younger brothers were first to get their hair cut and me last. Whiling away the time sitting patiently in a row of chairs behind the barber there was a table with an array of magazines strewn on top. One of them caught my eye with its flashy July cover, “TRUE MAGAZINE”. Looking it over I then incredulously notice a by-line in the lower left of the cover that says; “The Smoke Eaters of Engine Co. 82”. I immediately recognized the engine number, for only a few weeks ago I spent a day tour riding with my “Uncle” Jack Mayne, a fireman with Ladder 31 that is quartered with Engine 82. Riding with Jack through the streets of the South Bronx was incredible and inspiring. And here in front of me was a tell all narrative.
Reminiscing about a year ago, I realized that I had stumbled upon the spear tip of the Holy Grail of firefighting literature. The article was written by Dennis Smith, way before Dennis Smith was Dennis Smith. The feature starts on page 50 and continues for four full pages with a few black and white photos added to the column. Little did I know that this was the precursor of what would inevitably become the renowned “Report From Engine Co. 82” by famed Author Dennis Smith.
So, as a goof, I googled ebay and typed in the magazine date 1970; TRUE MAGAZINE. I could not believe my good fortune when popped up was one listed for sale for thirteen bucks. I jumped at the offer and ordered the mag holding my breath figuring a reply stating it was ‘not available’ would pop up. However, A few days later I received the envelope with the rare iconic Magazine in great condition inside.
Tony the barber allowed me to keep the magazine. From reading the article over and over and remembering Jack and the members of E 82 & L 31 in action, I realized that all I wanted to be was a fireman. Who would have thought a sixty cent magazine and a lousy haircut could change your life?
Hope you enjoyed... KMG 365
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JohnnyGage said:SIDE NOTE: TRUE MAGAZINE
Forty nine years ago, waiting for a haircut in a barber shop chair, a simple life altering event materialized, I?m a young 13 year old...and my life would never be the same again.
...While writing the above memory, I got to thinking a nice cover photo of the TRUE MAGAZINE would be a nice addition to my story. I started to research online, I entered TRUE Magazine Covers for 1970. To my amazement not only did a photo appear, but another attachment lead me to e-bay where the mag was available for $13!...I could not believe my good fortune, I jumped at the offer and ordered the mag...I was waiting for a reply that it was not available or not in stock any longer...But yesterday I received the July 1970 Issue of TRUE magazine in my mail! It came in a gray envelope with the magazine inserted into a plastic sleeve. The mag still had an address label of someone that resided in Mineola, (Long Island) NY. The magazine was in very good condition, it did have a little of that ?old paper? smell to it, otherwise, fine shape.
The article is written by Dennis Smith, before Dennis Smith was Dennis Smith! The article starts on page 50 and continues for almost four full pages with a few black and white photos. This is pre ?Report from Engine Co. 82??. The article is an excerpt for the soon to be published classic.
Carefully and gingerly thumbing through the magazine pages there are advertisements for ?Columbia House Records?, remember them? A loose card to enroll into the club is still inside...just return the card with your selection of any 12 records for $3.98 and receive a transistor radio too!... Cigarette ads for ?KOOL?, ?WINSTON? tastes good like a cigarette should... and an actor with a black-eye for ?TAREYTON?; we would rather fight than switch, on the back cover. A few fashion ads... double breasted buttons and wide lapels are cutting edge in 1970 (wait, did they go out of style?).
Looking back now, I believe this magazine, magically intertwined with a pre-school haircut and fate would become one of the most defining moments of my young life...imagine, who would think a sixty cent magazine could jump start and propel my future into the FDNY culture and tangible evidence of reconnecting to yesteryear?
TO ALL.....HAVE A WONDERFUL HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! KMG 365
Dan, this Glory Days story brings back some memories for me too.
I was in the library with my father who had been taking books out to study for the Lts job in the Bridgeport FD. I remember them being Fire Administration, The Fire Chiefs Handbook, Arco Lt Book, etc. They also would have Fire Engineering there to read but it couldn't be taken out. I would read it too.
BUT - one day I noticed the same July, 1970 TRUE Magazine in that library that you talk about. I too read the story and I think it also talked about a new book coming out called "Report from Engine 82". The busiest engine company in the world. I had already been introduced to the FDNY and was riding with Rescue 2. Like Dan, riding with Rescue 2 opened up a whole new world for me. Later if I didn't go to Rescue 2, I was hanging out in East Harlem. Chasing Engine 58/Ladder 26 and Engine 35/Ladder 14 around because the streets were numbered and easy to learn.
But when that True Magazine came out with the story, I started to hang out by 82/31. Dan, described the area - the cobblestone streets, the smell, and the surrounding area perfectly well. That's exactly how it was. It was an education you couldn't get from a book.
I guess for some of us, everything just seemed to fit into place. I guess maybe we were just born under the right stars. Because the time and place was perfect.
Thanks Dan, aka "JohnnyGage", and all the others who have contributed your stories during this special time of the FDNY.
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2018
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- 1,093
THE ULTIMATE MILESTONE
In July 2001 my transfer to L 31 was approved. My first time back in this firehouse for decades, instantly memories flashback and it "feels" like home. The cobblestone street I recall is now paved smooth with blacktop. My emotions are carefully checked and guarded, but I feel like a kid on Christmas Day. I have come full circle in my career, back where it all began.
A week or so goes by in the new company, however, just before this day tour starts two significant events take place. The Boss comes up to me and hands me a red insert with a white 31, I am so proud to have this iconic piece in my hand just thinking how it used to look on Jacks helmet along with the other legends during the ‘War Years’, this insert represents a piece of treasure.
But if that wasn’t enough after I receive the insert the boss nonchalantly tells me "You got the wheel today"! I’m about to burst!
Thirty one years ago, I sat for the very first time in the front seat of L 31 next to the legend Jerry Albert as a young teen, I would ride the next three years in the same front seat with other legends like Charlie McCarthy and Lt/Capt Bob Farrell. And, today I will occupy that iconic "SEAT", an unimaginable, ultimate milestone! A career full circle.
The day tour starts, I have just inspected the lights, wiped down the tools, checked every nook and cranny of the tower ladder and as I have always done whenever I drive I like to clean the inside of the cab and windows. While doing so, I’m reflecting on the magical times I rode as a kid on this Big Red Machine and I take a moment to relish my thoughts. Except I'm immediately brought back down to Earth as the housewatch printer starts spitting out a message and the voice alert says "LADDER..."
In July 2001 my transfer to L 31 was approved. My first time back in this firehouse for decades, instantly memories flashback and it "feels" like home. The cobblestone street I recall is now paved smooth with blacktop. My emotions are carefully checked and guarded, but I feel like a kid on Christmas Day. I have come full circle in my career, back where it all began.
A week or so goes by in the new company, however, just before this day tour starts two significant events take place. The Boss comes up to me and hands me a red insert with a white 31, I am so proud to have this iconic piece in my hand just thinking how it used to look on Jacks helmet along with the other legends during the ‘War Years’, this insert represents a piece of treasure.
But if that wasn’t enough after I receive the insert the boss nonchalantly tells me "You got the wheel today"! I’m about to burst!
Thirty one years ago, I sat for the very first time in the front seat of L 31 next to the legend Jerry Albert as a young teen, I would ride the next three years in the same front seat with other legends like Charlie McCarthy and Lt/Capt Bob Farrell. And, today I will occupy that iconic "SEAT", an unimaginable, ultimate milestone! A career full circle.
The day tour starts, I have just inspected the lights, wiped down the tools, checked every nook and cranny of the tower ladder and as I have always done whenever I drive I like to clean the inside of the cab and windows. While doing so, I’m reflecting on the magical times I rode as a kid on this Big Red Machine and I take a moment to relish my thoughts. Except I'm immediately brought back down to Earth as the housewatch printer starts spitting out a message and the voice alert says "LADDER..."
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- Joined
- Mar 3, 2007
- Messages
- 1,448
Shortly after that article came out 132 was relocated to 120 on a hot summer night that was absolutely nuts. We were the 3rd section of 120 when we got there and as we were coming down Watkins Street were sent to a job on either Herzl or Amboy.
As we were preparing to take up from that job one of our guys says " Man, my barber is gonna hate to see me, look at the scars on the back of my neck" As we laughed he was approached by a Daily News reporter who was buffing in Brownsville and would ultimately write a column of that night's fire activity.
Our guy shared the laugh and told him where the idea for the neck scars came from, a zinger at the Bronx. At that point we were special called to another job over on Chester Street. Ah, The Glory Days
As we were preparing to take up from that job one of our guys says " Man, my barber is gonna hate to see me, look at the scars on the back of my neck" As we laughed he was approached by a Daily News reporter who was buffing in Brownsville and would ultimately write a column of that night's fire activity.
Our guy shared the laugh and told him where the idea for the neck scars came from, a zinger at the Bronx. At that point we were special called to another job over on Chester Street. Ah, The Glory Days